Just a note on my small observing session last night,I really did not plan anything and was happy just sitting outside,with no observing gear except my eyes.After a port-around 9 pm,I decided to roll the roof of the observatory,within minutes I was up and going.I played around with polar alignment scope to see how well the alignment was -all dialed up very good.
The only object I viewed through scope was Saturn,(still very full moon,of course),Basically just left scope running as a check on gear,with a look every now and again.Dew heaters on as a bit of dew.Went inside to make a cuppa,our boys had "James Bond" on T.V so watched a bit of that.
After a while eventually returned to scope ,all working as it should.I sat for a good hour observing Saturn,not in any hurry-I have noticed some observers quick to look at something-then want to move on quickly,I always find I can gain a lot from these casual viewing/gear check nights.
The detail on saturn was good,I good make out the grey area on bottom half(top in scope),some moons.But best of all (and I'm getting to the highlight of the nite),was watching one of the moons appearing from the disc at 10.40 pm (approx).I checked 'starry night' and it was Titan,coming from across the front of the planets' disc.I have never seen this before,Sure a good few times with Jupiter,So what turned out to be a basic viewing night,starting at 9 pm.Turned out to most enjoyabe.
regards Chris
Last edited by hotspur; 02-05-2010 at 12:03 PM.
Reason: date was incorrect.
That sounds like a wonderful and relaxing night Chris.
Demonstrates that slowing down a bit and looking closer brings its own rewards.
Thanks for sharing.
yep done the same myself chris fulish moon nice to sit back and just enjoy. saturn changes over the night and you get some nice glimpses of seeing,well done
nice! Good read...I seem to be getting more out of my obs as I just focus on one or 2 targets as opposed to my newbie rush sessions last year. I still like to swing the dob around a bit because you can, but totally agree with what you say.
I have not seen any transits yet-even Jupiter ones, but I know its because I try too hard-now this year, I seem to be puling out some low mag objects from my light polluted back yard and I think its because I'm not to worried if I find them or not...
Hope to fluke a real glimpse some time just like the way you did. I got a buz just reading your post! Congrats.
